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Gambling and gaming are easier than ever.

Wins and losses exponentially affect mood. All the agency belongs to the result of the gamble.

Researchers have studied the decision-making process involved and found a focus on the wins despite losses.

If addiction is suspected, partners should assume control of finances to protect themselves and children.

My father was a gambler. He did not see his behavior as reckless. He had many highs and as many lows. I felt every one.

His gambling took different forms. He defied legal advice and, when I was thirteen, lost everything. We abruptly moved across the country to live with my older sister and her husband. She had endured similar rocky times alongside my brother when they were young. I’m hesitant to say that what I lived through was worse, but I know this much is true: Dad’s recklessness had progressed alongside his denial.

My father covered up his shame of loss through brooding and sadness, and my mother expressed hers through neediness and unrelenting anger, including anger at me. They had a combustible relationship after we moved, and the intensity barely diminished for decades, right up until the day he died.

Dad was both a hard worker and dreamer, a valuable combination in work and life, but it was his propensity toward the belief that he would beat the odds and “overcome” no matter what he did that led to trouble. Distorted thinking and illusion of control—these traits apply to most addictions. But gambling is the meth of money........

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